Tech and Gadgets

Recently I stopped by the local pond shop becuase I have been interested in possibly putting a small pond in my backyard, so I wanted to see first hand what I might be getting into and needless to say I was amazed.  I really thought a backyard pond was not much more than a hole in the fround that you fill up with water. I had no idea of the technology involved in the equipment that is necessary to support a thriving pond.  There are various types of pond liners that best meet certain demands, there are all types of pumps with different mechanisms that make them better suited for certain tasks, there are pond filters that house all types of components for filtering just about anything, there are pond skimmers that are stationary and others that free float.  I was just blown away by it all, but not in a bad way.  I just couldnt believe the technology in place for ponds.  As a gadget guy I find myself even more interested than ever in putting in a pond.  The necessity of sizing and piecing these components together is a challenge I look forward to and one I can only assume will ve very rewarding.

Windmills have been around for centuries, utilizing wind to generate power. In the early days they were used to crush and grind crops like corn and to also draw water up from drains or wells.  Over the years windmills evolved to more sophistiocated uses such as creating and storing energy used for electricity to power homes and businesses.  in recent years windmills have gained favor in the area of pond and lake managment as a tool to generate energy to power air compressors for aerating ponds that do not have easy access to electricity. In the last 15 -20 years increasing awareness has led to a higher demand in pond aeration, however rural ponds do not always have electrical sources nearby.  This created a need for a means to generate energy in a remote location to power a pond aerator and windmill aerators have been growing in popularity since.

Another recent trend has been the production of garden windmills.  These windmills are smaller in stature that normal ones and allow for easy assembly and set up in backyards and gardens.  Typically ranging from 9 ft to 16 ft these windmills are usually just for looks, but can be retrofitted with the proper equipment to make them functional aerating windmills for backyard ponds.  These windmills can be found made from steel or wood and many can be custom painted to match other outdoor decor.

Lake Forest, California (PRWEB) October 12, 2009 — Kwikset, an innovation leader in the residential door hardware industry, today announced that SmartKey re-key technology is available in all of Kwikset’s box pack keyed entry products. The expanded availability of this groundbreaking technology ultimately provides an opportunity for a greater number of American homeowners to have the ability to provide their families with improved home security and access control. SmartKey combines the simplicity of re-keying in seconds without removing the lock from the door, the security of BumpGuard to protect against lock bumping, and the pick resistance that withstands the highest levels of testing.
“The benefits of SmartKey technology are clear to homeowners, but building and construction industry professionals also find that Kwikset’s SmartKey locks increase job site efficiency, reduce job site liability due to improved security and control, and also increase inventory productivity,” said Brent Flaharty, vice president of Marketing, Kwikset.

Originally introduced in 2007 and available only in mid-price point products, SmartKey locks feature a patented side-locking bar technology, central to the device’s ability to be rapidly and easily re-keyed in the event a key is lost or stolen. Re-keying also allows homeowners the flexibility to match all Kwikset keyed entries to one key for added convenience and security. This stainless steel side-locking bar also replaces the traditional pin and tumbler design that is particularly vulnerable to lock bumping attacks. The cylinder uses two steel balls inserted into the front of the key face to provide improved drill resistance.

“While there are many great benefits to SmartKey, we don’t think there’s anything better than being able to give your customers the peace of mind of improved security and access control,” said Mary Nichols, senior product manager, Kwikset. “Additionally, that peace of mind shouldn’t be reserved for a few. By expanding our offering to all price points, we aim to make improved home security available to everyone.”

Kwikset box pack SmartKey products are now available in all price points. Design families recently added to the SmartKey line-up include Tylo®, Polo®, Dorian®, Delta®, Cove™, Dakota™ and the 660/665 deadbolt. For more information on these and other products, visit www.kwikset.com/smartkey.
About Kwikset®

For more than 60 years, Kwikset, manufacturer of America’s most trusted name in security has provided beauty, security and peace of mind for millions of families. For additional information on Kwikset products, visit www.kwikset.com, or call 1-800-327-LOCK.

Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement (BDHHI) Group is a division of Black & Decker, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools, power tool accessories and security hardware. Today, the BDHHI Group includes some of the most recognizable hardware and home improvement brands in the world including Baldwin®, Kwikset, Weiser®, Price Pfister® and K2™ Commercial Hardware by Black & Decker.